Optimize Your Health With 10 Herbs and Spices
Nutrition | Nichole Dandrea
With spices and herbs, big benefits come in small packages. They may be tiny in size but they pack a big punch, both in flavor and in nutritional value. Not only do spices add delicious tastes and robust aromas to meals, but they are rich in antioxidants, which lends to their medicinal traits. Studies show that they may even prevent diseases like arthritis, cancer, and Alzheimer’s. Here are ten spices and herbs you should always keep stocked in your kitchen.
Basil
What’s Inside: vitamin K, potassium, manganese, magnesium, iron, and vitamin A
Benefits: reduces inflammation, fights bacterial infections, supports bone health
How to Use: Add basil to tomatoes and crushed fresh garlic, drizzle a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar with a touch of sea salt and pepper for a tasty appetizer or snack.
Black Mustard Seed
What’s Inside: folate, niacin, vitamin E, vitamin A, essential oils
Benefits: reduces inflammation, prevents arthritis, helps with painful joints, fights the common cold
How to Use: Heat up coconut or olive oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds until they start to pop (this releases the essential oils and nutrients). Add veggies, tofu or rice to the seeds to make a delightful dish.
Cayenne
What’s Inside: capsaicin, beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin B-6, vitamin E
Benefits: reduces inflammation, prevents cardiovascular disease, boosts immunity
How to Use: Add a pinch of cayenne to soups, sauces, and smoothies for a little spicy kick!
Cilantro (the leafy part of Coriander)
What’s Inside: iron, magnesium, manganese, essential oils, phytochemicals such as limonene, camphor and quercetin
Benefits: fights bacterial infections, neutralizes free radicals, reduces stress and anxiety
How to Use: Packed with antioxidants, ultra low in calories, and bursting with flavor, cilantro is a great addition to just about any plant-based dish such as rice and beans, casseroles, and soups.
Cinnamon
What’s Inside: cinnamaldehyde
Benefits: enhances insulin sensitivity, regulates blood sugar, fights bacterial infection
How to Use: Add cinnamon to your morning cup of Joe, steep cinnamon sticks and sip as a tea, and add cinnamon to your morning oatmeal.
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Poster Comment:
Pictures at source. Use these healthy herbs at every opportunity. Spice up your life.